http://www.parachutemusic.com
Fri, 31 Jul 2015 04:09:24 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.9.1The Tantalus Mythhttp://www.parachutemusic.com/tantalus-myth/
http://www.parachutemusic.com/tantalus-myth/#commentsWed, 29 Jul 2015 03:15:22 +0000http://www.parachutemusic.com/?p=4024During the first half of this year we played host to the X Factor finalists in our offices every week on their way to record tracks upstairs at Parachute Studios. It was pretty cool meeting a new batch of hopefuls and thinking that one or more of them could be the new Benny Tipene with(...)

During the first half of this year we played host to the X Factor finalists in our offices every week on their way to record tracks upstairs at Parachute Studios. It was pretty cool meeting a new batch of hopefuls and thinking that one or more of them could be the new Benny Tipene with a long career in the music industry in front of them.

The excitement and energy was palpable. The world was full of possibilities, the future was limitless. The other emotion I sensed, just below the surface was fear. The contestants were aware that for every winner from a show like this there are hundreds who will have their dreams shattered. The finalists knew that they had to suppress that fear or they wouldn’t have had a chance of winning, but you can see it was still there.

The TV Music Show phenomenon is so fascinating because of the way it condenses the build up to ‘fame and success’ is condensed into 6 months. It’s like a sped- up view kind of what can happen to an artist over the course of a normal music career. Practicing, struggling, hustling, possibly some success, more struggling and hustling, possibly some more success…and on it goes.

One of the most brutal things about being in the music industry is that no matter what height an ambitious artist achieves, that new level will become their benchmark and any future achievements will be measured against that. Effectively, the higher an artist goes the further they are likely to fall. Kind of depressing when you think of it like that.

There’s a great quote by Henry George: Man is the only animal whose desires increase as they are fed; the only animal that is never satisfied.

It’s like the Greek story of Tantalus, a mythological figure was punished for his greed, made to stand in a pool of water beneath a fruit tree with low branches – the water eternally receding before he could take a drink, and the fruit ever eluding his grasp.

This is a great picture of how fame and fortune can be a futile pursuit – it’ll never be enough. No artist will ever reach a point where they decide that they are rich, famous or influential enough. They end up living the life of Tantalus.

What’s my point? Am I saying that you shouldn’t aim for a career in the music industry because even success will lead to failure?

No, I’m suggesting that artists should pursue something deeper than that, something richer. They should aspire to make art that makes people’s lives richer. significant stuff.

My advice is – forget fame, forget fortune, they may be the by-products of a successful career in music, but if they are your aim, the future really ain’t that bright no matter how successful you become.

It all comes down to motivation. If an artist’s motivation is to create great art, to express their struggles and motivations through music, to make the world a more caring and compassionate place, to transport their listeners to a higher plane, then success will be measured very differently and failure doesn’t have to be a reality. To me, that is the X Factor we should all be striving for.

]]>http://www.parachutemusic.com/airports-studio/feed/0Nakita Turner charms the crowd for new EPhttp://www.parachutemusic.com/nakita-turner-charms-crowd-new-ep/
http://www.parachutemusic.com/nakita-turner-charms-crowd-new-ep/#commentsWed, 24 Jun 2015 02:52:27 +0000http://www.parachutemusic.com/?p=3835Parachute’s newest Artist Development alumni Nakita Turner has taken to crowd funding to record her debut EP, raising over $10,000 in three days. With her 2014 anti-bullying song ‘One Voice’ travelling the world, 16-year old Cantabrian Nakita Turner is embarking on another campaign; releasing a debut EP as an independent artist. She’s travelled a long(...)

Parachute’s newest Artist Development alumni Nakita Turner has taken to crowd funding to record her debut EP, raising over $10,000 in three days.

With her 2014 anti-bullying song ‘One Voice’ travelling the world, 16-year old Cantabrian Nakita Turner is embarking on another campaign; releasing a debut EP as an independent artist.

She’s travelled a long way since she first wowed the 20,000-strong crowd at Parachute 2013′s Mainstage, and after two years as an artist in development, Nakita’s now signed to SMOKE management, working towards a batch of songs for a 2016 release.

Nakita launched the EP campaign on crowd funding platform Spark My Potential on Friday, and the weekend was barely over before she had hit $10,000 of her $12,000 goal. With over three weeks of the campaign to go, any extra funds will go towards some exciting stretch goals, like a publicity campaign, music video and New Zealand tour.

]]>http://www.parachutemusic.com/nakita-turner-charms-crowd-new-ep/feed/0Your Talent Ain’t Worth a Dimehttp://www.parachutemusic.com/your-talent-aint-worth-a-dime/
http://www.parachutemusic.com/your-talent-aint-worth-a-dime/#commentsWed, 17 Jun 2015 22:51:27 +0000http://www.parachutemusic.com/?p=3817Photo: Darrow Montgomery “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On’ has solved(...)

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

That’s Calvin Coolidge, 30th president of the United States. His term in office wedged between Warren Harding and Herbert Hoover, Coolidge was a feisty Vermont lawyer who spent most of his time fighting hard to restore America’s faith in the White House following the corruption scandals of Harding’s administration.

They say he wasn’t much for words, that he was a well thought out man who valued quiet action over rhetoric. In the quote above, he exposes a thought that’s both disarming and brilliant; this is the leader of the free world attributing his success not to education, privilege or talent, but simply to determination.

This article by Aussie mag Faster Louder has been doing the rounds at H.Q for a few days and it’s a cracker read (take the time to give it a spin). In it, music critic and ex-Die! Die! Die! bass player Henry Oliver takes a good, hard look at New Zealand’s recent musical success stories, asking how a small nation like ours continues to deliver global success stories like Lorde, Broods, Kimbra, et al.

I won’t do the article an injustice by trying to regurgitate too much (seriously, read it), but Oliver polls a few of our musical national treasures to get their theories on our far-reaching creative influence, and he gets a fair few. Indie wunderkind Lawrence Arabia cites the charm of our provincial unambiton, Ruby Suns frontman Ryan McPhun eloquently sums up an unproductive relationship between money and creativity and Broods frontman Caleb Nott praises the internet for allowing our Number-8 Wire ethic an international platform. Don McGlashan also makes a great Eye of Sauron metaphor.

All up, it’s a great overview – one of the best you’ll read in years. And at the end of reading it, I can’t help but return to Coolidge’s tribute to determination as the key to success.

When we speak to musicians, we’d be inclined to agree with the guy. Talent is vital to musicians. So is invention, currency, genius, aesthetic and a damn great song.

But talent without determination won’t get you far. As much as we’d like to hold on to the sanguine belief that the greatest talent will rise to the top of an oversaturated, crowded music industry, we instead find that it’s bare-knuckled persistence that is the most defining characteristic.

“Nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent.” That, right there, should serve as a warning and impetus to any musician trying to make it today. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you don’t have the omnipotent persistence required to send it out into the world, chances are you’ll fall prey to the guy willing to knock on any door necessary.

But here’s the beautiful thing. Oliver’s right, there is something in the water down here. The great thing about Kiwis is that we don’t take no for an answer. In fact, rejections, loss and stacked odds seem to make us more determined to prove the critics wrong.

Right now, the world’s eyes are on these magical little islands. The path has been blazed by a massive cadre of your fellow musicians – press on and join them…and don’t take no for an answer.

]]>http://www.parachutemusic.com/interview-jeff-crabtree/feed/0NZMM2015 // Strahanhttp://www.parachutemusic.com/strahan/
http://www.parachutemusic.com/strahan/#commentsSun, 31 May 2015 00:15:07 +0000http://www.parachutemusic.com/?p=3791It’s New Zealand Music Month, so we’ve asked a bunch of Kiwi artists to pen their own ode to New Zealand music, telling us about their influences, dream duets, and the song that keeps them coming back for more. See the whole series here. Folk-Psalmist Strahan very much subscribes to the old adage: three chords and(...)

It’s New Zealand Music Month, so we’ve asked a bunch of Kiwi artists to pen their own ode to New Zealand music, telling us about their influences, dream duets, and the song that keeps them coming back for more. See the whole series here.

Folk-Psalmist Strahan very much subscribes to the old adage: three chords and the truth. Growing up on strains of Dylan and the rich mine of the old Christian folk troubadours, Strahan seemed always destined to seek the truth. His songs speak of that moment where “poetry kissed reality”, his modern Psalms wrestle with that same world that David did, the world that struggles to reconcile the face of heaven in this constant economic, political and spiritual upheaval. Working on a new album, Strahan pays tribute to his favourite New Zealand tunes.

What’s your favourite Kiwi song of all time?
Honestly, insert here almost any track off ‘Recurring Dream’ by Crowded House. That album made me want to write great songs as a kid. Also, in the spirit of not giving you a single answer I’ll throw ‘You and Me’ by The Checks in there. Those guys deserve a shout out, man they did some great work.

If you had to sum up this country in one song, which one would it be?Cheesy I know but it would have to be ‘Slice of Heaven‘by Mr Dobbyn. The more I travel abroad the more that I feel that way too.

What song always reminds you of the power of music?‘My Sweet Carolina’by Ryan Adams. To this day I have no idea why that song grips and inspires me so much but every time I hear it I’m really moved.

What Kiwi artist have you always wanted to do a duet with?I haven’t thought about it a lot to be honest but I’m gonna have to go big on this one and call it at Neil Finn.

Pay it Forward: Recommend your two favourite Kiwi artists at the moment.My good friends Paper Cranes who just released an amazing album (go get it!) and Holly Arrowsmith, she’s got soul.

What’s on the horizon?Well it looks like I’m off to the UK and Iceland for a tour later in the year which I’m really excited about. In the meantime I’m working on finishing a special project for some stuff I’m doing in Iceland and writing for a new album.

]]>http://www.parachutemusic.com/strahan/feed/0NZMM2015 // Sound the Oceanhttp://www.parachutemusic.com/sound-the-ocean/
http://www.parachutemusic.com/sound-the-ocean/#commentsSat, 30 May 2015 23:54:15 +0000http://www.parachutemusic.com/?p=3788It’s New Zealand Music Month, so we’ve asked a bunch of Kiwi artists to pen their own ode to New Zealand music, telling us about their influences, dream duets, and the song that keeps them coming back for more. See the whole series here. Seven music teachers by day, seven musicians by night, Sound the Ocean(...)

It’s New Zealand Music Month, so we’ve asked a bunch of Kiwi artists to pen their own ode to New Zealand music, telling us about their influences, dream duets, and the song that keeps them coming back for more. See the whole series here.

Seven music teachers by day, seven musicians by night, Sound the Ocean aren’t used to thinking small. The band’s upcoming debut full-length ‘Wait for the Morning’ represents a group of songs written by frontman Nick Kraenzlin for a Master of Arts portfolio. Kraenzlin shares the local influences that keep his heart anchored to the homeland.

What’s your favourite Kiwi song of all time?Dave Dobbyn’s ‘Beside You’: “This is for the traveller on a blinding desert road…good fortune smile upon you, and may love be your only load”. Lyrical genius, melodic mastery, the man is a legend.

If you had to sum up this country in one song, which one would it be?Dave Dobbyn ‘Welcome Home’ – as a world traveller, having never lived in one country for more than 5 years growing up, I have seen many beautiful lands but none quite so as this one where the “isle-length” clouds “play chase with the sun”. I feel overwhelmingly blessed to call Aotearoa home.

What song always reminds you of the power of music?‘Obsession’ by Delirious. The Live and in the Can version of that song has brought me to my knees more than once.

What Kiwi artist have you always wanted to do a duet with?Brooke Fraser. Her songwriting prowess and vocal tone is mesmerising.

Pay it Forward: Recommend your two favourite Kiwi artists at the moment.Late Night Poets have a great sound and energy about them, and know how to bring the party to a gig. Luke ThompsonSound is an artisan par excellence, consistently crafting beautiful pieces of art that frequent my playlist.

What’s on the horizon?We are on the brink of releasing our debut album, which has been three years in the making! Most of our energy is channelled in that direction at the moment, but we are also beavering away on some new tunes that will soon see the light of day as well – watch this space!

]]>http://www.parachutemusic.com/sound-the-ocean/feed/0NZMM2015 // Paper Cranes 折り鶴http://www.parachutemusic.com/paper-cranes-%e6%8a%98%e3%82%8a%e9%b6%b4/
http://www.parachutemusic.com/paper-cranes-%e6%8a%98%e3%82%8a%e9%b6%b4/#commentsSat, 30 May 2015 22:59:59 +0000http://www.parachutemusic.com/?p=3781It’s New Zealand Music Month, so we’ve asked a bunch of Kiwi artists to pen their own ode to New Zealand music, telling us about their influences, dream duets, and the song that keeps them coming back for more. See the whole series here. Paper Cranes 折り鶴 are inspired by folk music that harks back to(...)

It’s New Zealand Music Month, so we’ve asked a bunch of Kiwi artists to pen their own ode to New Zealand music, telling us about their influences, dream duets, and the song that keeps them coming back for more. See the whole series here.

Paper Cranes 折り鶴 are inspired by folk music that harks back to its heady heyday – old brick fireplaces, good wine, books and conversation; tales of love and loss, heartache and elation – and everyday life. The married duo mix poetry and Japanese folk flourishes to create their eclectic sound. Songwriter Fraser Browne shares the Kiwi songs that formed his road home.

What’s your favourite Kiwi song of all time?
For purely sentinmental reasons, I think ‘Better Be Home Soon’ by Crowded House. I grew up in Australia and Sweden, and it was a song I heard in both countries; it always made me really homesick. Crowded House were a band that always made me think of home.

If you had to sum up this country in one song, which one would it be?‘Nature’ (for obvious reasons), or ‘Four Seasons in One Day’ by Crowded House (at least it reminds me of Auckland)

What song always reminds you of the power of music?It’s a tough call but ‘Loyal’ by Dave Dobbyn – became our unofficial anthem for the America’s Cup. It’s not my favourite song by any means, but it obviously spoke to a lot of people.

What Kiwi artist have you always wanted to do a duet with?Nice segue – Dave Dobbyn.

Pay it Forward: Recommend your two favourite Kiwi artists at the moment.Lydia Cole and Tiny Ruins (and French For Rabbits a close third)

What’s on the horizon?We’ve just released our album ‘The Road Home’. During winter I’m hoping to write some new songs – I’ve already got a few on the boil. I always looking forward to writing.

]]>http://www.parachutemusic.com/paper-cranes-%e6%8a%98%e3%82%8a%e9%b6%b4/feed/0NZMM2015 // Mali Malihttp://www.parachutemusic.com/nzmm2015-mali-mali/
http://www.parachutemusic.com/nzmm2015-mali-mali/#commentsSat, 30 May 2015 04:30:21 +0000http://www.parachutemusic.com/?p=3774It’s New Zealand Music Month, so we’ve asked a bunch of Kiwi artists to pen their own ode to New Zealand music, telling us about their influences, dream duets, and the song that keeps them coming back for more. See the whole series here. 2013′s ‘Gather Round the Gooseclock’ saw Auckland’s Ben Tolich step out from(...)

It’s New Zealand Music Month, so we’ve asked a bunch of Kiwi artists to pen their own ode to New Zealand music, telling us about their influences, dream duets, and the song that keeps them coming back for more. See the whole series here.

2013′s ‘Gather Round the Gooseclock’ saw Auckland’s Ben Tolich step out from behind his acoustic guitar and into a world of lush, alt-folk; panoramic tunes made for fans of Bon Iver and Radiohead. The good news is, he’s currently crafting some new tunes for a follow-up. In the meantime, he tunes in with his great Kiwi playlist.

]]>http://www.parachutemusic.com/nzmm2015-mali-mali/feed/0NZMM2015 // Avalanche Cityhttp://www.parachutemusic.com/avalanche-city/
http://www.parachutemusic.com/avalanche-city/#commentsThu, 28 May 2015 00:24:06 +0000http://www.parachutemusic.com/?p=3770It’s New Zealand Music Month, so we’ve asked a bunch of Kiwi artists to pen their own ode to New Zealand music, telling us about their influences, dream duets, and the song that keeps them coming back for more. See the whole series here. It’s been a few years since Avalanche City’s chart-smashing ‘Love, Love, Love’(...)

It’s New Zealand Music Month, so we’ve asked a bunch of Kiwi artists to pen their own ode to New Zealand music, telling us about their influences, dream duets, and the song that keeps them coming back for more. See the whole series here.

It’s been a few years since Avalanche City’s chart-smashing ‘Love, Love, Love’ propelled Dave Baxter around the world. Now he’s about to release his sophomore album ‘We Are For the Wild Places’, and by the sounds of lead single ‘Inside Out’, we’re in for a treat. Recorded with the help of his childhood hero, (Death Cab For Cutie’s) Chris Walla, the album drops in a couple of months (keen Kiwis can preorder it). Until then, Baxter’s Kiwi recommendations can tide you over.

What’s your favourite Kiwi song of all time?
‘Love and Loss and Love’ by Lydia Cole. Absolutely stunning.

If you had to sum up this country in one song, which one would it be?‘Loyal’ by Dave Dobbyn, it’s practically our new national anthem!

What song always reminds you of the power of music?I’d have to say the Haka, it’s like a source of New Zealand pride. I get a little teary sometimes when it’s done with passion.

What Kiwi artist have you always wanted to do a duet with?I would probably say Lydia Cole but her voice is so nice that I’d sound like an oaf next to her.

What’s on the horizon?I just released my first single ‘Inside Out’ off my new album ‘We Are For The Wild Places’. It’s being released on July 3. I’ll also be doing an album release show around that time too. It’s been an age since I’ve played new music and I’m so looking forward to playing the new album all the way through.